Water dispenser and filter cartridge for use therein

ABSTRACT

A water dispenser including a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, a water spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support having a first operative orientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/559,351,filed Apr. 2, 2004 entitled “WATER DISPENSER AND FILTER CARTRIDGE FORUSE THEREIN”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to water dispensers generally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following U.S. patent documents represent the current state of theart:

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,644,512; 6,516,141; 6,425,425; 6,332,428; 6,207,046;6,112,819; 6,094,524; 5,971,220 and 5,833,096.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved, user-friendly, waterdispenser.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a water dispenser including a water inlet adapted toreceive water from a water supply, a water filter operative to filterwater received from the water supply via the water inlet, a water outletoperative to provide filtered water received from the water filter, awater spill collector and a pivotably mounted drainage-equipped watercontainer support having a first operative orientation underlying thewater outlet and defining a downwardly inclined water spill drainagepathway communicating with the water spill collector and a second,non-operative, orientation not underlying the water outlet.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a water dispenser including a water inletadapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filter operativeto filter water received from the water supply via the water inlet, awater cooling subassembly, a heat exchanger cooperating with the coolingsubassembly, the heat exchanger including an at least partially foldedover grid, and a water outlet operative to provide filtered waterreceived from the water filter and the water cooling subassembly. Inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment the water dispenseralso includes a water spill collector and a pivotably mounteddrainage-equipped water container support having a first operativeorientation underlying the water outlet and defining a downwardlyinclined water spill drainage pathway communicating with the water spillcollector and a second, non-operative, orientation not underlying thewater outlet.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a water dispenser including a waterinlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, a water filteroperative to filter water received from the water supply via the waterinlet, an ultraviolet radiation assembly operative to disinfect thewater received from the water supply, the ultraviolet radiation assemblyincluding a UV lamp assembly and a UV lamp socket, the UV lamp assemblyincluding a UV lamp including at least one filament and a plurality ofmale contacts, including first and second contacts of respective firstand second different lengths, the first lengths being greater than thesecond lengths, the UV lamp socket defining female contacts forreceiving the first and second contacts of the first and seconddifferent lengths, the first contacts providing electrical contact withat least one filament in the UV lamp and the second contacts providingelectrical contact with an electrical power supply.

There is even further provided in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention a water dispenserincluding a water inlet adapted to receive water from a water supply, awater filter assembly operative to filter water received from the watersupply via the water inlet and a water outlet operative to providefiltered water received from the water filter assembly, the water filterassembly including a replaceable filter cartridge and a filter socketarranged to removably receive the replaceable filter cartridge and toprovide water input and water output communication therewith, thereplaceable filter cartridge and the filter socket being configured suchthat upon vertically downward insertion of the replaceable filtercartridge into the filter socket, both the water input and the wateroutput communication are established generally simultaneously and uponvertically upward removal of the replaceable filter cartridge from thefilter socket, both the water input and the water output communicationare terminated generally simultaneously.

Preferably, the water dispenser also includes a housing including a basewhich supports a chassis onto which are formed wrap-around side panels,a front control panel, the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped watercontainer support and a top cover element. Additionally, the frontcontrol panel includes a display and at least one function selectionbutton. Preferably, the at least one function selection button includesa hot water selection button, a warm water selection button, a coldwater selection button and a cool water selection button. Additionallyor alternatively, the at least one function selection button includes anextra-hot water selection button and first and second menu selectionbuttons.

Preferably, the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water containersupport includes a perforated grid element which is seated in a recessformed in a tray element, having a drain aperture, the tray elementbeing attached to a pivotable tray element support which is pivotablysupported onto a chassis by means of a pair of pivot axle assemblies.Additionally, at least one of the pair of pivot axle assemblies isspring loaded by a coil spring and includes a non-rotating axle portion,which is arranged for non-rotational engagement with a correspondingsocket in the chassis and a cooperating tray element support engagementelement, the socket and the engagement element having cooperatingtoothed surfaces which enable mutual seating engagement thereof atrelative rotational orientations separated by 90 degrees, correspondingto the first and second orientations, thus retaining the pivotablymounted drainage-equipped water container support in its secondorientation unless the user moves it to its first orientation.Alternatively or additionally, the pivotably mounted drainage-equippedwater container support is operative in the first orientation such thatwater impinging thereonto from above passes through the perforated gridelement and may temporarily collect on the tray element, the waterdraining from the tray element via the drain aperture into a drainagecollection and flow region of the pivotable tray element support.

Preferably, the drainage collection and flow region of the tray elementsupport is downwardly inclined towards a weir, which defines a barrierwhich collects water in the region but permits excess water to pour fromthe region into the water spill collector. Additionally, when thepivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support is in thesecond orientation, any remaining water in the region drains into thewater spill collector.

Preferably, the water dispenser includes a filter cartridgeidentification and verification functionality.

Preferably, the water dispenser includes a filter cartridge as definedhereinbelow.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a user-replaceable filter cartridge for use ina water dispenser, the filter cartridge including a housing defining awater inlet manifold and a water outlet manifold communicatingrespectively with a water inlet connector and a water outlet connector,the water inlet connector and the water outlet connector depending fromthe water inlet manifold and the water outlet manifold respectively, thehousing also defining at least first and second filter element housingportions housing at least first and second filter elements, each of theat least first and second filter element housing portions communicatingwith the water inlet manifold and with the water outlet manifold, eachof the first and second filter elements depending from the water inletmanifold and the water outlet manifold.

There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a user-replaceable filter cartridgefor use in a water dispenser, the filter cartridge including a housingdefining a generally planar portion, a pair of first generallycylindrical portions arranged about respective generally parallel firstcylindrical axes extending perpendicular to the plane, and a pair ofsecond generally cylindrical portions arranged about respectivegenerally parallel second cylindrical axes extending perpendicular tothe plane, parallel to and adjacent the first cylindrical axes, the pairof second generally cylindrical portions lying adjacent the generallyplanar portion and adjacent the pair of first generally cylindricalportions, the generally planar portion enclosing a water inlet manifoldand a water outlet manifold, the pair of first generally cylindricalportions enclosing first and second filter elements, each communicatingwith the water inlet manifold and the water outlet manifold, and thepair of second generally cylindrical portions defining a water inletconnector communicating with the water inlet manifold and a water outletconnector communicating with the water outlet manifold.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventionthe pair of first generally cylindrical portions are disposed alongsideeach other in spaced relationship, being separated from each other alonga first axis parallel to the planar portion and the pair of secondgenerally cylindrical portions are disposed alongside each other inspaced relationship, between the pair of first generally cylindricalportions, the pair of second generally cylindrical portions beingseparated from each other along a second axis parallel to the planarportion and perpendicular to the first axis. In accordance with stillanother preferred embodiment of the present invention the pair of secondgenerally cylindrical portions communicate directly with the planarportion.

Preferably, the user-replaceable filter cartridge also includes ashut-off valve in communication with an inlet water conduit upstream ofwater inlets of a filter element housing socket, the shut-off valve andthe water inlet being formed as separate units in the filter elementhousing socket and being formed of different materials.

Preferably, the housing defines a bicameral main housing portion and ahousing top portion which is sealed thereto. Additionally, the bicameralmain housing portion includes a pair of filter element containingchambers, each of which is formed with a generally cylindrical springseat defining socket at a bottom surface thereof, the pair of filterelement containing chambers being integrally joined by a planarstructural portion and by a planar base element which lies in a planegenerally perpendicular to the plane of planar structural portion, theplanar base element being formed with inlet and outlet port receivingapertures in which are located respective inlet and outlet port definingconnector assemblies.

Preferably, the inlet and outlet port defining connector assemblies eachdefine a generally cylindrical water flow conduit on an outer surface ofwhich are provided a pair of sealing rings. Additionally, disposedwithin each of the filter element containing chambers there is providedan elastomeric sealing pad, which supports one of the filter elements.Preferably, each of the filter elements is formed to have a central boreand wherein disposed over each the filter element is a top pad having acentrally disposed filtered water outlet aperture, communicating withthe central bore.

Preferably, the user-replaceable filter cartridge also includes amanifold defining planar element sealed to the planar base element, themanifold defining planar element including respective water inlet andwater outlet port communication apertures to which are sealingly joinedthe inlet and outlet port defining connector assemblies. Additionall,the manifold defining planar element is sealed to the housing topportion and defines therewith a water inlet pathway from the water inletport communication aperture to outer peripheries of both of the filterelements. Alternatively, the manifold defining planar element is sealedto the housing top portion and defines a water outlet pathway from apair of filtered water apertures, which communicate with filtered wateroutlet apertures in the top pads, to the outlet port defining connectorassembly.

Preferably, the filter cartridge is configured to define a lockingsurface.

Preferably, the filter cartridge is configured to define amachine-readable label, which enables the filter cartridge to beautomatically identified by a water dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified general illustrations of a waterdispenser constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention in respective first and secondoperative orientations;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional illustrations taken along lines IIA-IIAand IIB-IIB in FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively, showing drainage of water;

FIG. 3 is a simplified partially exploded view illustration of the waterdispenser of FIGS. 1A & 1B showing the construction and location of aheat exchanger forming part thereof;

FIG. 4 is a simplified partially exploded view illustration of the waterdispenser of FIGS. 1A & 1B showing principal components thereof;

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of hydraulic interconnectionsbetween components of the water dispenser of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of electrical power and controlinterconnections between components of the water dispenser of FIGS. 4and 5;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I, 7J, 7K and 7L are together anelectrical schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of theelectrical control circuitry of the water dispenser;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are, respectively, a sectional assembled view and apictorial exploded view illustration of a water cooling and purificationassembly forming part of the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are, respectively, a sectional assembled view and apictorial exploded view illustration of a water heating assembly formingpart of the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a filter cartridge constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D are simplified pictorial illustrations of afilter element constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are sectional assembled view illustrations taken alonglines XIIA-XIIA and XIIB-XIIB respectively in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 13A, 13B and 13C are simplified pictorial illustrations ofuser-initiated installation of a filter element forming part of thewater dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate user-initiated removal of a filtercartridge from a socket in the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, 15H, 15I, 15J, 15K and 15Lillustrate menu functionality of the water dispenser in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D illustrate functionality of the waterdispenser in various modes in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 17F illustrate water dispensingfunctionality of the water dispenser in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D illustrate responses of the water dispenserto various operational conditions in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are simplified generalillustrations of a water dispenser constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention inrespective first and second operative orientations; to FIGS. 2A and 2B,which are sectional illustrations taken along lines II-II in FIGS. 1Aand 1B, respectively, and to FIG. 3, which is a simplified partiallyexploded view illustration of the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A & 1Bshowing the construction and location of a heat exchanger forming partthereof.

As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the water dispenser comprises a housing 100including a base 102 which supports a chassis (not shown) and onto whichare formed wrap-around side panels 104, a front control panel 106, apivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support 108 and atop cover element 110. A decorative panel 112 is preferably placed overpart of top cover 110 and a forward tray 114 is preferably located justin front of base 102, underlying water container support 108. Pivotablymounted drainage-equipped water container support 108 is located belowthe front control panel 106. A water spill collector 116 is locatedbelow the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support108 and cooperates therewith, as will be described hereinbelow withreference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Front control panel 106 preferably includes a water outlet 120, adisplay 122, such as an LCD display, a hot water selection button 124, awarm water selection button 126, a cold water selection button 128 and acool water selection button 130. There are preferably also providedadditional buttons including an extra-hot water selection button 132,and first and second menu selection buttons 134 and 136.

FIG. 1A illustrates the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped watercontainer support 108 in an open, operative orientation, supporting aglass 138, while FIG. 1B, shows the pivotably mounted drainage-equippedwater container support 108 in a closed orientation, allowing arelatively large container, such as a one-liter bottle 140, to besupported on forward tray 114 underlying water outlet 120 for beingfilled therefrom, as shown.

The pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support 108comprises a perforated grid element 150, which is seated in a recess 152formed in a tray element 154, having a drain aperture 155. Tray element154 is, in turn, is attached, preferably by snap-fit engagement to apivotable tray element support 156 which is pivotably supported onto thechassis by means of a pair of pivot axle assemblies 158, each of whichis preferably spring loaded by a coil spring 160. Pivot axle assemblies158 each include a non-rotating axle portion 162, which is arranged fornon-rotational engagement with a corresponding socket in the chassis,and a cooperating tray element support engagement element 164. Elements162 and 164 have respective cooperating toothed surfaces 166 and 167,which enable mutual seating engagement thereof at relative rotationalorientations separated by 90 degrees, corresponding to open and closedwater container support positions, shown respectively in FIGS. 1A and1B, thus retaining the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped watercontainer support 108 in its closed orientation (FIG. 1B) unless theuser moves it to its open orientation (FIG. 1A).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which illustrate the drainagefunctionality of the pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water containersupport 108. Turning to FIG. 2A, it is seen that water impinging fromabove onto pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water container support108, passes through perforated grid element 150, and may temporarilycollect on tray element 154. The water preferably drains from trayelement 154 via aperture 155 into a drainage collection and flow region168 of pivotable tray element support 156. It is noted that the drainagecollection and flow region 168 of tray element support 156 is downwardlyinclined towards a weir 170, which defines a barrier which collectswater in region 168 but permits excess water to pour from region 168into water spill collector 116. Alternatively, weir 170 may be obviatedand substantially all water draining into region 168 may flow directlyinto water spill collector 116, even when the pivotably mounteddrainage-equipped water container support 108 is in the open operativeposition.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which shows the pivotably mounteddrainage-equipped water container support 108 in a closed position. Itis seen that in this position, any remaining water in region 168 drainsinto water spill collector 116. It is a particular feature of thepresent invention that drainage from pivotably mounted drainage-equippedwater container support 108 is provided both in open and closedorientations of pivotably mounted drainage-equipped water containersupport 108.

Turning now to FIG. 3, which shows the rear of the water dispenser,there is seen a water inlet 180 which is adapted to be connected to aconventional domestic source of pressurized water. Also shown is a heatexchanger 182, which is preferably mounted into a recess 184 defined atthe rear of the water dispenser. It is a particular feature of thepresent invention that the heat exchanger 182 is in a partiallyoverlapping folded orientation, which provides high heat exchangeefficiency in a compact configuration.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a simplified partiallyexploded view illustration of the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A & 1Bshowing principal components thereof. As seen in FIG. 4, disposed withinthe housing 100 is a water cooling and purification subassembly 200, awater heating subassembly 202 and a compressor 204, which cooperateswith the water cooling subassembly 200 and the heat exchanger 182 (FIG.3).

Preferably the water cooling subassembly 200 is formed with a centralchannel, preferably formed of quartz glass, which accommodates a UV lampassembly 212, for purifying water in the water cooling subassembly 200by UV radiation.

Preferably top cover element 110 is formed as a unitary element,typically by injection molding, and defines a UV lamp assembly sockethousing portion 230 and a filter element aperture 232, which cooperateswith a separate filter element housing socket 234 which accommodates afilter cartridge 236.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified illustration ofhydraulic interconnections between components of the water dispenser ofFIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 5, water inlet 180 is preferably externallythreaded and includes an internally disposed check valve 250. Coupled tothe water inlet 180 via a solenoid valve 252 is an inlet water conduit254 which is connected to a water inlet 256 of filter element housingsocket 234. Water supplied to water inlet 256 of filter element housingsocket 234 passes through a shut-off valve (not shown) formed in filterelement housing socket 234 to a water inlet of filter cartridge 236 forfiltering thereby. Filtered water from a water outlet of filtercartridge 236 is supplied via a water outlet 260 of filter elementhousing socket 234 and a shut-off valve (not shown) formed in filterelement housing socket 234 and via a filtered water conduit 262 to afiltered water distributor 264, preferably including two solenoid valves266 and 268.

Solenoid valve 266 is coupled to a water heater supply conduit 270 whichsupplies filtered water to water heating subassembly 202. Heated waterfrom water heating subassembly 202 is supplied to water outlet 120 via aheated water conduit 272. Steam from water heating subassembly 202 maybe vented to water outlet 120 via a steam conduit 274.

Solenoid valve 268 is coupled to a water cooling supply conduit 276which supplies filtered water to water cooling subassembly 200. Cooledwater from water cooling subassembly 200 is supplied to water outlet 120via a cooled water conduit 278.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified illustration ofelectrical power and control interconnections between components of thewater dispenser of FIGS. 4 and 5. Mains electrical power is supplied toa power supply assembly 300 which supplies high voltage electrical powerto water heating subassembly 202 and to compressor 204 and provides lowvoltage electrical power to a controller 302.

Controller 302 is responsive to user commands supplied via control panel106 to provide suitable low voltage electrical power to waterdistributor solenoid valves 266 and 268 and to water inlet solenoidvalve 252. Low voltage electrical power is also supplied to a fan 304,which cooperates with heat exchanger 182, and to a UV lamp driver 306,which supplies electrical power to UV lamp assembly 212.

Controller 302 also receives input control signals from upper and lowerwater heating subassembly temperature sensors 308 and 310, upper andlower water cooling subassembly temperature sensors 312 and 314, innerhousing temperature sensor 316 and heat exchanger temperature sensor318. Controller 302 preferably also receives a control input from afilter cartridge presence and identity sensor 320 and a water spillcollector presence/full sensor 322, associated with water spillcollector 116, and UV lamp driver 306, indicating whether a UV lamp isconnected and operating properly.

Controller 302 also provides control signals to power supply 300 and toUV lamp driver 306, as well as to display 122.

Reference is now made to 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7I, 7J, 7K and7L, which together are an electrical schematic illustration of apreferred embodiment of the electrical control circuitry of the waterdispenser. The electrical schematic illustration includes annotationsindicating the reference numerals used elsewhere in the description andthe drawings for elements appearing both in the schematic and elsewherein the description and the drawings. Inasmuch as the electricalschematic is self-explanatory to a person of ordinary skill in the art,for the sake of conciseness, a verbal description of the schematic isnot provided. The functionality of the electrical circuitry is describedhereinbelow with reference to flow charts FIGS. 15A-15L.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are, respectively, asectional assembled view and a partially cut-away pictorial partiallyexploded view illustration of a water cooling and purificationsubassembly forming part of the water dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Asseen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the water cooling and purification subassembly200 comprises a generally cylindrical inner container 402, typicallyformed of stainless steel. At least part of the circumference of innercontainer 402 is surrounded in heat-exchange relationship by a coolingcoil 404, which is, in turn coupled to compressor 204 (FIGS. 4 & 6) andheat exchanger 182 (FIGS. 3 & 6). The inner container 402 and thecooling coil 404 are, in turn, surrounded by a temperature insulativejacket 406, typically formed of polystyrene.

Disposed in liquid sealing engagement inside inner container 402 is acentral channel 408, typically formed of a tube of quartz glass, mountedon respective bottom and top mounting sockets 410 and 412, respectively.Bottom mounting socket 410 preferably is seated in a recess 414 formedat the bottom center of inner container 402. Top mounting socket 412preferably comprises an elastomeric sealing gasket which is, in turn,seated in a central aperture 416 of a container top sealing assembly418.

Container top sealing assembly 418 preferably includes an elastomericseal 420 which sealingly engages a top surface of inner container 402.Elastomeric seal 420 is seated in a circumferential recess 422 formedinteriorly of a flange 424 having portions which are in snap-fitengagement with a outwardly directed rim 426 at the top surface of innercontainer 402.

Container top sealing assembly 418 defines a water inlet 430 whichincludes a water flow distributor 432 and a water outlet 434 whichcommunicates with a water outlet pipe 436, which extends to a locationnear the bottom of the interior of inner container 402. Water outletpipe 436 is preferably formed of quartz glass, thereto to provide UVdisinfection of water passing therethrough. Container top sealingassembly 418 also includes an air release mechanism 438, whichcommunicates with the interior of inner container 402. Additionally, topsealing assembly 418 defines sealed attachment locations (not shown) forsensors 312 and 314 (FIG. 6). The top sealing assembly 418 is, in turn,surrounded by a temperature insulative top jacket 440, typically formedof polystyrene.

FIGS. 8A and 8B also illustrate the operative engagement of the UV lampassembly 212 with the water cooling and purification subassembly 200.The UV lamp assembly 212 comprises a conventional UV lamp 450,preferably a Philips G11T5, which is mounted at a first end thereof intoa two-pin socket 452, forming part of a UV lamp connector 454. UV lampconnector 454 includes a PCB housing 456 within which is mounted aprinted circuit board 458, to which the two-pin socket 452 iselectrically connected.

The additional pins at the opposite end of UV lamp 450 are preferablyconnected by wires 460 to printed circuit board 458. The printed circuitboard 458 includes conductors (not shown) which electrically connecteach of the four pins of the UV lamp to corresponding long male contacts462. An additional two short male contacts 464 are interconnected byconductors on printed circuit board 458 to define a jumper.

A housing cover 466 sealingly engages PCB housing 456 and is arranged toslidably and removably engage UV lamp assembly socket housing portion230 of top cover element 110. The UV lamp assembly socket housingportion 230 is, in turn, seated within a recess 468 formed in thechassis. As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, disposed in recess 468, underlyingUV lamp assembly socket housing portion 230, is a UV lamp socket printedcircuit board 470, which includes a plurality of female sockets 472 and474 for receiving the long male contacts 462 and short male contacts 464respectively. Printed circuit board 470 is electrically connected to UVlamp driver 306 (FIG. 6). The long male contacts 462 are connected to aballast in the UV lamp driver 306, while the short male contacts areconnected in series with a low voltage power supply to the ballast, suchthat when the short male contacts 464 are not in electrical engagementwith their respective female sockets 474, electrical power is notsupplied to the ballast. This is a particular feature of the presentinvention.

Steps of engagement of the male contacts of the UV lamp assembly 212with corresponding female contacts of printed circuit board 470 may beappreciated from a consideration of three enlargements appearing in FIG.8B. Enlargement A shows the arrangement prior to engagement of any ofthe male contacts with the corresponding female contacts. Enlargement Bshows contact of the long male contacts 462 with corresponding femalecontacts 472, thus establishing electrical contact between the ballastin the UV lamp driver 306 and the pins of the UV lamp 450, prior toelectrical power being supplied to the ballast. Enlargement C showscontact of both long and short male contacts 462 and 464 withcorresponding female contacts 472 and 474, thus supplying electricalpower to the ballast in the UV lamp driver 306 following establishmentof electrical contact with the pins of the UV lamp 450.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are, respectively, asectional assembled view and a pictorial exploded view illustration ofwater heating subassembly 202, forming part of the water dispenser ofFIGS. 1A and 1B. As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the water heatingsubassembly 202 includes a container 500, typically formed ofpolypropylene, which is preferably enclosed in a thermally insulativejacket 502. A container top sealing assembly 518 is preferably sealinglyengaged with container 500 and preferably includes an elastomeric seal520 which sealingly engages a top surface of container 500. Elastomericseal 520 is seated in a circumferential recess 522 formed interiorly ofa flange 524 having portions 525 which are in snap-fit engagement with aoutwardly directed rim 526 near the top surface of container 500.

Container top sealing assembly 518 defines a water inlet 530 coupled towater heater supply conduit 270 (FIG. 5) which includes a water flowguide 532 directed to the bottom of the interior of container 500 and awater outlet 534, coupled to heated water conduit 272 (FIG. 5).Container top sealing assembly 518 also includes a sealed attachmentlocation for a water heating element 536 which is disposed withincontainer 500. Container top sealing assembly 518 also includes a steamventing port 538, which is connected to steam conduit 274 (FIG. 5).Additionally, top sealing assembly 518 defines sealed attachmentlocations for sensors 308 and 310.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which is an exploded view of a filtercartridge constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention and to FIGS. 11A-11D, which arepictorial illustrations of the filter cartridge. As seen in FIGS. 10 and11A-11D, the filter cartridge, which is a preferred embodiment of filtercartridge 236 (FIG. 4), comprises a bicameral main housing portion 550and a housing top portion 552 which is preferably sealed thereto.

As seen more particularly in FIGS. 11A-11D, the bicameral main housingportion 550 preferably includes a pair of filter element containingchambers 554, each of which is preferably formed with a generallycylindrical spring seat defining socket 556 at a bottom surface thereof.The pair of filter element containing chambers 554 are integrally joinedby a planar structural portion 558 and by a planar base element 560which lies in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of planarstructural portion 558. Planar base element 560 is formed with inlet andoutlet port receiving apertures 562 and 564 in which are locatedrespective inlet and outlet port defining connector assemblies 566 and568.

Each of assemblies 566 and 568 defines a generally cylindrical waterflow conduit on an outer surface of which there are preferably provideda pair of sealing rings 570.

Disposed within each of filter element containing chambers 554 there ispreferably provided an elastomeric sealing pad 572, which supports agenerally cylindrical filter element 574, preferably formed of activatedcarbon, and formed to have a central bore 576. Disposed over eachcylindrical filter element 574 is a top pad 578 having a centrallydisposed filtered water outlet aperture 580, communicating with centralbore 576.

Sealed, preferably by ultrasonic welding, to planar base element 560 isa manifold defining planar element 582. Manifold defining planar element582 includes respective water inlet and water outlet port communicationapertures 586 and 588 to which are sealingly joined, as by ultrasonicwelding, respective inlet and outlet port defining connector assemblies566 and 568.

Manifold defining planar element 582 is sealed to housing top portion552 and defines therewith a water inlet pathway 596 from aperture 586 tothe outer peripheries of both of cylindrical filter elements 574, viaapertures 598. Manifold defining planar element 582 and housing topportion 552 also define a water outlet pathway 600 from a pair offiltered water apertures 602, which communicate with filtered wateroutlet apertures 580 in top pads 578, to outlet port defining connectorassembly 568 via aperture 588. This is also a particular feature of thepresent invention.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the filtercartridge 236 is configured to define a locking surface, preferably alocking slot 604, defined jointly by housing top portion 552 andmanifold defining planar element 582. Preferably, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, the filter cartridge 236is also provided with a machine-readable label 606, such as a bar-codedlabel, which enables the filter cartridge 236 to be automaticallyidentified by the water dispenser, preferably by use of a filtercartridge presence and identity sensor 320 (FIG. 6). Label 606 ispreferably located on housing top portion 552.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A and 12B, which illustrate operativeengagement between filter cartridge 236 and filter element housingsocket 234 (FIG. 4). It is seen in FIG. 12A that a spring 620 underlieseach filter element containing chamber 554 and engages generallycylindrical spring seat defining sockets 556 at respective bottomsurfaces thereof.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 12B, it is seen that shut-off valves630 are provided in communication with inlet water conduit 254 upstreamof water inlets 256 of filter element housing socket 234 (FIG. 5). Theshut-off valves 630 are shown in an open orientation, being presseddownwardly by engagement therewith of respective inlet and outlet portdefining connector assemblies 566 and 568. It is a particular feature ofthe present invention that the shut-off valves 630 and water inlets 256are formed as separate units in the filter element housing socket 234and may be formed of different materials.

Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 13A-13C, which illustrateuser-initiated installation of a filter element forming part of thewater dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention and shows structural details of alatch mechanism 700 which is preferably employed.

As seen in FIGS. 13A-13C, the latch mechanism comprises a latchingelement 702 which is spring biased, preferably by a pair of springs 704,into removable locking engagement with locking slot 604 in filtercartridge 236. Retraction of latching element 702 and disengagement oflatching element 702 is preferably provided by a user-actuable pushbutton 706, which acts against the urging of a spring 708 and whendepressed engages latching element 702 and forces it out of engagementwith locking slot 604. Retraction of latching element 702 is alsoprovided by engagement therewith of a surface of manifold definingplanar element 582 (FIG. 10) with an inclined surface 710 of thelatching element 702.

FIG. 13A illustrates a preliminary stage in the insertion of a filtercartridge 236 into socket 234; FIG. 13B shows operative engagementbetween a surface of manifold defining planar element 582 (FIG. 10) withan inclined surface 710 of the latching element 702, producingdisengagement of latching element 702 from locking slot 604 and FIG. 13Cshows the filter cartridge 236 inserted into socket 234 with thelatching element 702 in locking engagement with locking slot 604.

Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 14A-14C, which illustrateuser-initiated removal of the filter cartridge 236 from socket 234 inthe water dispenser of FIGS. 1A and 1B in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention and shows structural details of thepush-button actuated retraction of latch element 702.

FIG. 14A illustrates the filter cartridge 236 latched in engagement withsocket 234; FIG. 14B shows operative engagement between a cam surface740 of push button 706 with an inclined surface 742 (FIG. 14A) of thelatching element 702, producing disengagement of latching element 702from locking slot 604 and FIG. 14C shows the filter cartridge 236removed from socket 234 with the latching element 702 returned to itsextended orientation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, 15H,15I, 15J, 15K and 15L, which illustrate menu functionality of the waterdispenser in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. This functionality is provided by the electrical circuitryshown in schematic form in FIGS. 7A-7L along with suitable softwareembedded in components thereof.

FIG. 15A shows operation of the main menu, which permits user selectionof displayed time & date, water temperature and quantity, various otheruser interface settings, maintenance procedures and machine off state.Block 1002 indicates initial default settings corresponding to theinitial screen prior to selection of the main menu. Block 1004 indicatesdefault settings once the main menu has been selected.

FIGS. 15B and 15C together show clock selection in the time & datesub-menu. FIG. 15D shows wake up configuration in the time & datesub-menu. FIG. 15E shows energy saving and power down configuration inthe time & date sub-menu. FIGS. 15F and 15G show water temperature andquantity selection, which is a particular feature of the presentinvention. FIGS. 15H and 15I both show user interface settingconfiguration operation. FIGS. 15J, 15K and 15L together showmaintenance operation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D, which illustratefunctionality of the water dispenser in various modes in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention. This functionality isprovided by the electrical circuitry shown in schematic form in FIGS.7A-7L along with suitable software embedded in components thereof.

FIG. 16A illustrates operation in an extra-hot mode which preferably isinitiated by a user actuating button 132 (FIG. 1A). FIG. 16B illustratesoperation in an extra-hot mode which is initiated by a user actuatingbutton 132 (FIG. 1A) when the water dispenser is in an energy savingstate. FIG. 16C illustrates operation in a normal mode which isinitiated by a user actuating button 124 (FIG. 1A) when the waterdispenser is in an energy saving state. FIG. 16D illustrates operationin a normal mode which is initiated by a user actuating any of buttons124, 126, 128 and 130 (FIG. 1A) when the water dispenser is in offstate.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E and 17F, whichillustrate water dispensing functionality of the water dispenser inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thisfunctionality is provided by the electrical circuitry shown in schematicform in FIGS. 7A-7L along with suitable software embedded in componentsthereof.

FIG. 17A illustrates cool water dispensing in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention, in response to a user actuatingbutton 130 (FIG. 1A) which produces mixing of cooled and heated water.This is a particular feature of the present invention. FIG. 17Billustrates warm water dispensing in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention, in response to a user actuating button 126(FIG. 1A), which produces mixing of cooled and heated water. This is aparticular feature of the present invention.

FIG. 17C illustrates cold water dispensing of a predetermined quantityof cold water in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, in response to a user briefly actuating button 128 (FIG. 1A).FIG. 17D illustrates cold water dispensing of a quantity of cold waterdetermined by the length of time that a user actuates button 128 (FIG.1A) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17Eillustrates hot water dispensing of a quantity of hot water determinedby the length of time that a user actuates button 124 (FIG. 1A) inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, when childprotection functionality is not activated. FIG. 17F illustrates hotwater dispensing of a quantity of hot water determined by the length oftime that a user actuates button 124 (FIG. 1A) in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention, when child protectionfunctionality is activated.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D, which illustrateresponses of the water dispenser to various operational conditions inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thisfunctionality is provided by the electrical circuitry shown in schematicform in FIGS. 7A-7L along with suitable software embedded in componentsthereof.

FIG. 18A illustrates operation of filter cartridge presence and identitysensor 320 (FIG. 6) when a filter cartridge 236 (FIG. 4) is removed andreplaced. FIG. 18B illustrates operation when a UV lamp assembly 212(FIG. 4) is removed and replaced. FIG. 18C illustrates operation of thewater spill collector presence/full sensor 322 (FIG. 6). FIG. 18Dillustrates operation of filter and UV lamp replacement time alertfunctionality.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of various featuresdescribed and shown in the foregoing description as well asmodifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person ofordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description andwhich are not in the prior art.

1-40. (canceled)
 41. A user-replaceable filter cartridge for use in awater dispenser, said filter cartridge comprising: a housing defining agenerally planar portion, a pair of first generally cylindrical portionsarranged about respective generally parallel first cylindrical axesextending perpendicular to said generally planar portion, and a pair ofsecond generally cylindrical portions arranged about respectivegenerally parallel second cylindrical axes extending perpendicular tosaid generally planar portion, parallel to and adjacent said firstcylindrical axes, said pair of second generally cylindrical portionslying adjacent said generally planar portion and adjacent said pair offirst generally cylindrical portions, said generally planar portionenclosing a water inlet manifold and a water outlet manifold, said pairof first generally cylindrical portions enclosing first and secondfilter elements, each communicating with said water inlet manifold andsaid water outlet manifold, and said pair of second generallycylindrical portions defining a water inlet connector communicating withsaid water inlet manifold and a water outlet connector communicatingwith said water outlet manifold.
 42. A user-replaceable filter cartridgeaccording to claim 41 and wherein said pair of first generallycylindrical portions are disposed alongside each other in spacedrelationship, being separated from each other along a first axisparallel to said planar portion and said pair of second generallycylindrical portions are disposed alongside each other in spacedrelationship, between said pair of first generally cylindrical portions,said pair of second generally cylindrical portions being separated fromeach other along a second axis parallel to said planar portion andperpendicular to said first axis.
 43. A user-replaceable filtercartridge according to claim 41 and wherein said pair of secondgenerally cylindrical portions communicate directly with said planarportion.
 44. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 41and also comprising a shut-off valve in communication with an inletwater conduit upstream of water inlets of a filter element housingsocket, said shut-off valve and said water inlet being formed asseparate units in said filter element housing socket and being formed ofdifferent materials.
 45. A user-replaceable filter cartridge accordingto claim 41 and wherein said housing defines a bicameral main housingportion and a housing top portion which is sealed thereto.
 46. Auser-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 45 and wherein saidbicameral main housing portion includes a pair of filter elementcontaining chambers, each of which is formed with a generallycylindrical spring seat defining socket at a bottom surface thereof,said pair of filter element containing chambers being integrally joinedby a planar structural portion and by a planar base element which liesin a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of planar structuralportion, said planar base element being formed with inlet and outletport receiving apertures in which are located respective inlet andoutlet port defining connector assemblies.
 47. A user-replaceable filtercartridge according to claim 46 and wherein said inlet and outlet portdefining connector assemblies each define a generally cylindrical waterflow conduit on an outer surface of which are provided a pair of sealingrings.
 48. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 47 andwherein disposed within each of said filter element containing chambersthere is provided an elastomeric sealing pad, which supports one of saidfilter elements.
 49. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according toclaim 48 and wherein each of said filter elements is formed to have acentral bore and wherein disposed over each said filter element is a toppad having a centrally disposed filtered water outlet aperture,communicating with said central bore.
 50. A user-replaceable filtercartridge according to claim 49 and also comprising a manifold definingplanar element sealed to said planar base element, said manifolddefining planar element including respective water inlet and wateroutlet port communication apertures to which are sealingly joined saidinlet and outlet port defining connector assemblies.
 51. Auser-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 50 and wherein saidmanifold defining planar element is sealed to said housing top portionand defines therewith a water inlet pathway from said water inlet portcommunication aperture to outer peripheries of both of said filterelements.
 52. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 50and wherein said manifold defining planar element is sealed to saidhousing top portion and defines a water outlet pathway from a pair offiltered water apertures, which communicate with filtered water outletapertures in said top pads, to said outlet port defining connectorassembly.
 53. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 41and wherein said filter cartridge is configured to define a lockingsurface.
 54. A user-replaceable filter cartridge according to claim 41and wherein said filter cartridge is configured to define amachine-readable label, which enables the filter cartridge to beautomatically identified by a water dispenser.
 55. (canceled)